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Inspector Borges #3
This Side Murder?
Gilbert Tarsier, successful newspaper columnist, is sent by his paper to Spain on a double to ferret out gossip about the guests at the new luxury hotel in Cala Cristina… He’s there to exploit any gossip he can sniff out, and will spare no one in his sensational newspaper column. This quickly arouses the hostility of several distinguished hotel guests, so when the self-assured Tarsier shows up dead, the lack of sympathy is unsurprising…. Unfortunately for the gentle Inspector Borges, Tarsier’s unpopularity means the range of suspects is extensive. If indeed it was murder that caused his untimely death… First there’s his neglected wife Lily, plain but holding untapped potential, who is soon taken under the wing of Irene Stollman, wife of the economist Franz, one of the victims of Tarsier’s libellous pen. Then there’s Lady Poppy Dauntwood, currently on her fifth husband, her vivaciousness belying a sad past and another guest suffering the slurs of Tarsier. When it is revealed that Tarsier had penned a defamatory biography of the Victorian novelist Matthew Egremont, grandfather of the artist Arbelle and her brother Ralph Egremont, the pool of suspects grows even larger. Does this incriminate their nephew and architect of the Cala Cristina, Philip Egremont too? Surely his relations with the lovely ballerina Judy Shafto, on holiday with her Uncle Quintin, means his thoughts are occupied by romance not murder? The Inspector must sort through numerous and often conflicting statements and alibis to discover the truth behind Tarsier’s demise… This Side Murder? is a mystery filled with colourful characters and gripping suspense. ‘Top recommendation for lovers of that clever, urbane detection which is becoming such a rarity’ - Birmingham Mail ‘Amusing puzzles that entertain and beguile’ – Books and Bookman ‘Neatly devised plot…Borges is a good creation in the tradition of the best fictional detectives’ – Nottingham Guardian Journal ‘…claims attention as a crime novel depending on pains-taking police work and careful deduction’ – Aberdeen Press and Journal ‘A real masterpiece of detective in fiction form takes shape under the cloudless skies of the Costa Brava’ – British Books Writing under the name of John Bonett, husband and wife duo John and Emery Bonett have collaboratively written numerous successful murder mystery and detective novels including Dead Lion and No Time to Kill.
- GenresMystery
152 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1967
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 10, 2017
Gilbert Tarsier is a distasteful, dreadful, nasty man. First of all he's a newspaper journalist, his columns full of gossip and innuendo. He talks to his wife like she's a second class citizen. He comes across as arrogant when dealing with business people.
His boss sends him to Spain, to stay in a new hotel where there are plenty of famous and infamous people. All he has to do is ferret out what can embarrass them the most.
When Tarsier is found dead, there seems to be no end to the possible suspects who wanted him that way. The Inspector in charge of this case has his hands full.
Suspects include, of course his wife, his wife's new friend whose husband was one of Gilbert's targets. There's the lady on her 5th husband and another guest that was also a victim of Gilbert's nose for news. It also comes to light that he had written a biography of a Victorian author ... one not so flattering ... and one the descendants don't want to see the light of day.
The Investigator will have to find his way through secrets and lies. How does one find the bad guy when others seem to want to give him a medal?
This is a short read .. about 150 pages. Lots of suspects keeps the reader riveted to the story. The characters come alive under his pen.
Many thanks to Endeavor who pointed me to this entertaining story. Opinions expressed here are unsolicited, unbiased and entirely my own.
His boss sends him to Spain, to stay in a new hotel where there are plenty of famous and infamous people. All he has to do is ferret out what can embarrass them the most.
When Tarsier is found dead, there seems to be no end to the possible suspects who wanted him that way. The Inspector in charge of this case has his hands full.
Suspects include, of course his wife, his wife's new friend whose husband was one of Gilbert's targets. There's the lady on her 5th husband and another guest that was also a victim of Gilbert's nose for news. It also comes to light that he had written a biography of a Victorian author ... one not so flattering ... and one the descendants don't want to see the light of day.
The Investigator will have to find his way through secrets and lies. How does one find the bad guy when others seem to want to give him a medal?
This is a short read .. about 150 pages. Lots of suspects keeps the reader riveted to the story. The characters come alive under his pen.
Many thanks to Endeavor who pointed me to this entertaining story. Opinions expressed here are unsolicited, unbiased and entirely my own.
May 6, 2021
Another enjoyable read in this series. The plot is quite complex and after the death of the very reprehensible Gilbert Tarsier, the first thing is to decide whether his death was an accident or murder. There are plenty of reasons for thinking murder but then who had the motive or the opportunity?
You will have noticed that these novels are relatively short, so quite a lot happens in a small space, and yet the character development is very good.
I do recommend this series, but read them in order please. Available on Kindle very cheaply. However, published over 50 years ago, so probably not available now in hard copy.
You will have noticed that these novels are relatively short, so quite a lot happens in a small space, and yet the character development is very good.
I do recommend this series, but read them in order please. Available on Kindle very cheaply. However, published over 50 years ago, so probably not available now in hard copy.
June 16, 2020
This side murder by John Bonett.
Gilbert Tarsier, successful newspaper columnist, is sent by his paper to Spain on a double mission: to ferret out gossip about the guests at the new luxury hotel in Cala Cristina…
He’s there to exploit any gossip he can sniff out, and will spare no one in his sensational newspaper column.
This quickly arouses the hostility of several distinguished hotel guests, so when the self-assured Tarsier shows up dead, the lack of sympathy is unsurprising….
Unfortunately for the gentle Inspector Borges, Tarsier’s unpopularity means the range of suspects is extensive. If indeed it was murder that caused his untimely death…
First there’s his neglected wife Lily, plain but holding untapped potential, who is soon taken under the wing of Irene Stollman, wife of the economist Franz, one of the victims of Tarsier’s libellous pen.
Then there’s Lady Poppy Dauntwood, currently on her fifth husband, her vivaciousness belying a sad past and another guest suffering the slurs of Tarsier.
When it is revealed that Tarsier had penned a defamatory biography of the Victorian novelist Matthew Egremont, grandfather of the artist Arbelle and her brother Ralph Egremont, the pool of suspects grows even larger.
Does this incriminate their nephew and architect of the Cala Cristina, Philip Egremont too?
Surely his relations with the lovely ballerina Judy Shafto, on holiday with her Uncle Quintin, means his thoughts are occupied by romance not murder?
The Inspector must sort through numerous and often conflicting statements and alibis to discover the truth behind Tarsier’s demise…
A very good read. Good story and some good characters. 4*.
Gilbert Tarsier, successful newspaper columnist, is sent by his paper to Spain on a double mission: to ferret out gossip about the guests at the new luxury hotel in Cala Cristina…
He’s there to exploit any gossip he can sniff out, and will spare no one in his sensational newspaper column.
This quickly arouses the hostility of several distinguished hotel guests, so when the self-assured Tarsier shows up dead, the lack of sympathy is unsurprising….
Unfortunately for the gentle Inspector Borges, Tarsier’s unpopularity means the range of suspects is extensive. If indeed it was murder that caused his untimely death…
First there’s his neglected wife Lily, plain but holding untapped potential, who is soon taken under the wing of Irene Stollman, wife of the economist Franz, one of the victims of Tarsier’s libellous pen.
Then there’s Lady Poppy Dauntwood, currently on her fifth husband, her vivaciousness belying a sad past and another guest suffering the slurs of Tarsier.
When it is revealed that Tarsier had penned a defamatory biography of the Victorian novelist Matthew Egremont, grandfather of the artist Arbelle and her brother Ralph Egremont, the pool of suspects grows even larger.
Does this incriminate their nephew and architect of the Cala Cristina, Philip Egremont too?
Surely his relations with the lovely ballerina Judy Shafto, on holiday with her Uncle Quintin, means his thoughts are occupied by romance not murder?
The Inspector must sort through numerous and often conflicting statements and alibis to discover the truth behind Tarsier’s demise…
A very good read. Good story and some good characters. 4*.
July 14, 2021
Excellent
Another excellent book from the pen of John Bonett with his character Inspector Borges. In this book Gilbert Tarsier a journalist with the Morning Globe is sent to Spain to the Hotel Cristina. He is there to interview the surviving relatives of Matthew Egremont a deceased author on whom he has written a not so flattering book. Whilst there he will also be digging some dirt on some of the hotel guests, who’s there with their secretary etc, etc so not a very likeable character. Inspector Borges is called to investigate when Gilbert Tarsier is found dead in his hotel suite and he has to discover whether it was an accident or murder. Excellent book which can be read as a stand alone or as part of a series.
Another excellent book from the pen of John Bonett with his character Inspector Borges. In this book Gilbert Tarsier a journalist with the Morning Globe is sent to Spain to the Hotel Cristina. He is there to interview the surviving relatives of Matthew Egremont a deceased author on whom he has written a not so flattering book. Whilst there he will also be digging some dirt on some of the hotel guests, who’s there with their secretary etc, etc so not a very likeable character. Inspector Borges is called to investigate when Gilbert Tarsier is found dead in his hotel suite and he has to discover whether it was an accident or murder. Excellent book which can be read as a stand alone or as part of a series.
May 23, 2021
Another engrossing read. I found it a bit hard to keep some of the characters difficult to distinguish until Inspector Borges appeared on the scene and the pace, along with my engagement, picked up. The mystery mixes with characters whose problems, weaknesses and resilience kept me interested.
I am a little cynical about the ending, but it won’t stop me reading more in the series.
I am a little cynical about the ending, but it won’t stop me reading more in the series.
April 9, 2020
Read allAbout it!
A sleazy journalist’s death at a very posh hotel in Spain reveals he has made more enemies than friends in his line of work. Was it his wife/ the brother/ the family several cottages down / the historical professor / Lady Poppy/ & on & on & on!!
A sleazy journalist’s death at a very posh hotel in Spain reveals he has made more enemies than friends in his line of work. Was it his wife/ the brother/ the family several cottages down / the historical professor / Lady Poppy/ & on & on & on!!
October 31, 2020
Each book I read in this series is better than the last. This book showed even more of his investigative process than previous ones. I'm glad I discovered this author and will be reading more.
February 3, 2021
Heartbreaking ending
Skilled and well written with the as usual compelling characterization and impeccable motives. I despair that there are only 5 Inspector Borges mysteries.
Skilled and well written with the as usual compelling characterization and impeccable motives. I despair that there are only 5 Inspector Borges mysteries.
March 3, 2017
A very obnoxious (English) journalist is found dead in his room in a luxury hotel in sunny Spain. And there are plenty of suspects about....
The wonderfull charm of this series is A) a nostalgic atmosphere where tourism, hotelservice, social habits (for example: people dress up for dinner,...) were an entirely different thing, B) a kind and intelligent Spanish Inspector Borges.
A Spanish holiday ( granted, with an early sixties feel) has never been so enticing, even with a murderer about!
The wonderfull charm of this series is A) a nostalgic atmosphere where tourism, hotelservice, social habits (for example: people dress up for dinner,...) were an entirely different thing, B) a kind and intelligent Spanish Inspector Borges.
A Spanish holiday ( granted, with an early sixties feel) has never been so enticing, even with a murderer about!
February 14, 2017
A good whodunit.
A nice read. I wish it would have included what happened to some of the characters....like Lily. I will read m9re of Bonett books. Entertaining.
A nice read. I wish it would have included what happened to some of the characters....like Lily. I will read m9re of Bonett books. Entertaining.
February 24, 2017
I really didn't care for this book. I found it was very hard to get into. Thanks net gallery for having the chance to read and review this book
March 30, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is an old-fashioned "who-done-it" and reminded me of books by Agatha Christie.
There are a large cast of characters who are all very believable.
I had no idea who the murderer was, in fact I thought it could be anyone except the killer.
I will certainly look out for more books by Mr Bonett.
There are a large cast of characters who are all very believable.
I had no idea who the murderer was, in fact I thought it could be anyone except the killer.
I will certainly look out for more books by Mr Bonett.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews